Closet Schizophrenia

I was having a conversation with my boyfriend about the "outer" and "inner" personalities we all have. You know, the outer you, the you who wants to be liked and be perceived as an open, happy, dependable person, who you want your boss and coworkers to think you are, and the inner you, who you really are inside and what you're really thinking with deep, dark mysterious dreams that could only be shared within the pages of a black leather journal. Yeah, manic, I know, sort of "Catcher In The Rye."



What does all this have to do with my closet?
At one time I would have said that I don't have a specific or defined style point of view, (weirdly enough, this topic came up again on Friday night while I was out with some fellow bloggers,) when in reality it maybe closer to the truth to say that my closet has multiple personas. Looking back at some recent past posts, I have, with a few exceptions, mainly focused more on what the inner me chooses to wear, darker muted colors, very little pattern...( Inner me thinking, hmm, ever since I went back to work...)

So, let me focus on the outward side... First let me say, I deal with the general public and to be perceived as my above definition of the outer personality is important to success in my line of work. And I'm not always deep and dark (which can be easily construed as moody.) So these are items that I'd wear to work because they're practical for the job I'm doing, a uniform of friendliness to the outside world, because along with a smile, (right now the inner me is sort of gagging,) it's what I should be wearing...


Bright friendly colors and prints, making whatever task at hand seem that much more fun. When it comes to dressing like this, I almost feel like more is better, pick out the most over the top patterns and colors, just go all the way with it! (Although I do have a few pieces that can cross over into either side.) To be honest, a look like this makes me feel more out going and vibrant, versus the inner me who would prefer to seem mysterious and untouchable. (The red pants also make me feel very brave!)

(Close up of details, what I'm wearing, BCBG thrifted red pants, vintage bracelet, Anthropologie top, Elie Tahari shoes.)

I guess, for the most part, I prefer the inner personality of my closet. To me it's much more clean and modern yet insightful. But it's sometimes nice to step out of my usual box and on days when I need a bit of a pick me up, I know exactly which items I'll be pulling on.

So to say that I don't have a stylistic point of view is wrong, I actually have many (or at least two,) that depend on where I'm going, and what I'll be doing.

So what about you? What moods does your closet convey about your inner and outer personalities?

Gift In My Closet - Vintage Adjustable Wig Strap

Ever see one of these things?

An adjustable wig strap...I can't imagine we'll be seeing Kim from The Real Housewives sporting one of these. (Sorry for the glare...it's actually in the original wrapping...)

So the idea is to clip this piece of elastic to either side your wig and then tighten it with the button under your chin...as if that wouldn't be totally noticeable?!!?

I received this lovely little vintage nugget from my friend E. who, as an avid thrifter, has the most amazing ability to find the rarest of all oddities.

Completely random, I know.
J.

In My Closet- Winter Coat Collection

Living in central Texas means it's rarely cool enough to wear a big, heavy winter coat. However, having grown up in the midwest, every autumn I pour through magazines and lust after the styles, shapes and fabrics fully knowing that I have very little use for any of them, they'll only take up space in my closet. In all honesty, I may wear a winter coat only for about 2-3 weeks. But do you think that stops me? Nope! In fact, I have a small but lovely collection of coats that I will never give up. I try to choose classic shapes and styles that I can wear for years and it makes sense to hang onto them.


The basic black overcoat. My sister bought it for me for X-mas some years ago and of course it can be used for may different occasions. If I need a heavy coat for work, this is the one. It covers from neck down to almost my knees and is very warm.

A must for every woman's closet, the trench. (The picture looks like one button is missing, but it's there.) This one is from Michael Kors and it was marked at $250 usd but I think I got it for about $80 as it was March and already above 85 degrees. The length is mid thigh which, being only 5 foot, is perfect for me. Anything longer sort of swallows me and looks like I'm dressing in Mommy's coat. I love the fun, silvery-blue unexpected color and it looks as good with jeans as it does a suit.

This one is faux fur fun! It looks black in the picture but it's actually a dark brown, with a slight purple under tone. I love to dress this one up and the wide collar means I can wear a variety of scarves or necklaces.

This is a recent thrift find from Goodwill. I was walking up and down the Halloween costume aisle and this poor creature called out to me. I carried it around for a while before trying it on and as I ran my hands over it I found...

POCKETS! How cool is that! It's vintage, but not in perfect shape, the lining has a large hole and it goes all the way through in one spot. But you can hardly see it and the price I paid was silly inexpensive. It reminded me of something you'd see one of the Olsens wearing. Boho glamish...I haven't worn it yet (too hot,) but I'm dieing to wear it with my new boots.

Of course, none of these can compare to the navy blue, fuzzy, knee length with even fuzzier white cuffs and collar coat that I wore to church every Sunday as a child. It was a sad day when I had out grown it!

What winter coat will you be wearing this season?
J.

Closet Challenge -Zara Top Outfit 3

Hooray! I've made it to #3 and this look is probably my favorite! Great for so many occasions! I'd wear it to lunch, out to happy hour, almost anywhere!

The silver glass bead necklaces are vintage as is the purse. The belt is something I picked up this past spring at one of the outlet stores in San Marcos, but I can't recall which one. I like this black floaty skirt which I admit, is a recent purchase, but it was only $6.99. However, it's about 2 sizes too big and I can sort of cinch it in with this big belt, but I really should take it in. Ok, into the alteration pile it will go!

You can't see the shoes very well because they blend into the paper that is still spread out to protect the floors, so here's a close up. I'm way into neutrals right now.

So the Zara top is in and has a home in my closet. The challenge itself was kind of fun, and I even found something that will be leaving my closet permanently...more on that later.

J.

Found In My Closet -Dress of Tragedy

The only time I have ever worn this dress ended in tragedy. I had been out with my boyfriend for his birthday with another couple and to make a long story short, the girl from the other couple ended up spilling red wine all over my dress. I was able to save it and there are a few faint marks that only I could point out, but every time I think I want to pull it out of the closet we seem to be going out with that couple and I don't want to embarrass her!

Well, it's been almost a year and I'm hoping that she's forgotten which dress it was, because I really like this one. It's jersey and so very comfortable!

I tried on several pairs of shoes before I decided on these Nine West platform classics.

This vintage pendant came from a necklace once owned by my grandma. It was on a really ugly cheap looking chain when I received it. I sewed it onto a black velvet ribbon, and now I love it!

This outfit would be perfect for brunch! Mimosas don't stain, right?

J.